Micro Puree Machine Assembly Detection Using Bowl and Blade Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro puree machines for making frozen foods and drinks are impractical for non-dessert food preparation due to user effort and time requirements, and lack clear indicators for correct assembly of the bowl and blade components.

Innovation Solution

A micro puree machine equipped with a microswitch that interacts with projections on the bowl and a lid and blade assembly, using a cam member and plunger system to alert users of proper installation and assembly through activation of the microswitch, ensuring correct alignment and assembly of the bowl and blade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a micro puree machine uses a simple mechanical assembly without detection mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot discern when the bowl has been correctly installed or when the blade has been properly assembled

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly status indicationVSAvoidDetection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through microswitches that detect the presence and correct positioning of the bowl and blade components. When the bowl is properly installed on the base or the blade is correctly assembled to the lid, corresponding microswitches are activated to provide visual feedback to the user, ensuring correct assembly without requiring complex monitoring systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses projection members on the bowl and plunger members with microswitches as intermediary elements to detect assembly status. These intermediaries translate the physical state of component assembly into detectable signals, enabling the system to monitor assembly correctness through simple mechanical interactions rather than complex sensing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a micro puree machine lacks assembly detection indicators, then the device complexity is minimized, but the user effort and time required to ensure correct assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly verification easeVSAvoidAssembly verification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The microswitch-based detection system provides immediate visual feedback to users when components are correctly assembled, eliminating the need for manual verification steps and reducing the time required to ensure proper assembly configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly detection system automatically monitors and verifies component installation without requiring user intervention or expertise. The system self-verifys the assembly status through the interaction between projection members and plunger members, freeing the user from manual checking procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4344593A1Micro puree machine with bowl and blade detection
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
  • EP4344593A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4344593A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4344593A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A micro puree machine has a microswitch for interacting with projections on a bowl to alert the user that the bowl has been installed correctly to the machine housing. The microswitch also interacts with a plunger of a lid and blade assembly to alert the user that the blade has been properly assembled to the lid.